Hanging Plumb Boy's axe

filedog

filedog

Joined
Sep 3, 2002
Messages
518
Got my tools and parts ready, and started working on my first attempt at hanging.
The haft from House had a lot of extra materiel at the shoulder, so I spent time
reprofiling as well as fitting the head. I was using a 4 in hand, so it took a while.
But I went slow and carefully, and it's fitting pretty well. I had a look at the alignment,
and that's where the trouble starts. Looking at the blade edge-on, it's canted a bit
from vertical. Also, the blade is slightly off of (12 o'clock) the line of swing,
if that makes sense. Part of this is due to the eye being punched off center.
I'm kind of discouraged at this point, thinking it's not worth finishing.
Some of the photos aren't the best, but it was tough to show the alignment.
IMG_1676.jpg

IMG_1691.jpg

IMG_1688.jpg

IMG_1687.jpg

IMG_1685.jpg

IMG_1684.jpg
 
As far as I can see, I removed material evenly from the handle.
I think it's due to the eye being off. I wouldn't feel right about trying to
sell this head now, so I guess it's a write off.
On a positive note, I got some good files, and can sharpen a lot better now.
 
You might be able to adjust the handle by filing it unevenly to adjust for the eye. But it does get tricky.
 
liamstrain said:
You might be able to adjust the handle by filing it unevenly to adjust for the eye. But it does get tricky.
Click to expand...

I've been looking around for info on hanging, have seen this, I may give it a try. It does seem tricky though.
Wish I had a spokeshave : )
 
Last edited:
filedog you can make it better by taking material off the haft, just going to take a little time.
 
I would say get a new head, stick it on that haft and you got your self an axe and a real pretty paper weight.
 
Yeah it's definitely because the eye is off. You just have to shape the handle to compensate for it. Once it's hung straight and set you'll never know the difference. When you're shaping the handle you just need to constantly check your progress by sliding the head on to see where it's at as you go. It takes longer and looks weird because the handle looks off. You might have to start with a new handle. That's a good head though. Don't give up on it. Or if you decide to throw it away send to me and I'll cover shipping :)
 
OutdoorEnvy said:
Yeah it's definitely because the eye is off. You just have to shape the handle to compensate for it. Once it's hung straight and set you'll never know the difference. When you're shaping the handle you just need to constantly check your progress by sliding the head on to see where it's at as you go. It takes longer and looks weird because the handle looks off. You might have to start with a new handle. That's a good head though. Don't give up on it. Or if you decide to throw it away send to me and I'll cover shipping :)
Click to expand...

Is this true, have you tried it? I would think the balance would be way of with the weight being so uneven not to mention the blade being crooked.
 
KingKoma said:
Is this true, have you tried it? I would think the balance would be way of with the weight being so uneven not to mention the blade being crooked.
Click to expand...

Yes I've hung axes heads with bad eye alignment. The edge is still center with the poll so all you need to do is shape the eye to match the head. The balance is fine. You really don't know difference swinging it once you hang it right. It's only cosmetic at that point. When you know it's there.
 
OutdoorEnvy said:
Yes I've hung axes heads with bad eye alignment. The edge is still center with the poll so all you need to do is shape the eye to match the head. The balance is fine. You really don't know difference swinging it once you hang it right. It's only cosmetic at that point. When you know it's there.
Click to expand...

Ok. I have used axes with crooked handles and while annoying at first you compensate quickly, maybe this is the same. The newer Gränsfors often come uneven and people think they're awesome.
In some of the pictures the blade look of center. If that is the case could it still be corrected when hanging it?
 
Oh, wait. So the eye is punched right? And it wasnt punched straight though so the weight is still the same from side to side and if you tilt it enough on the haft everything lines up. Am I understanding whats going on?
 
KingKoma said:
Oh, wait. So the eye is punched right? And it wasnt punched straight though so the weight is still the same from side to side and if you tilt it enough on the haft everything lines up. Am I understanding whats going on?
Click to expand...

If you look at the first pic, you can see how the eye is off. And it's only off like this on the BOTTOM, the top is centered.
This makes the face "tilted" if you are looking at it straight on. I THINK that's why the cutting edge is not quite in line with
the haft.
 
The whole idea when hanging is to get the handle to fit the head. That's why you need to put the head on and off quite a bit to make sure it's lining up right. It can be done but it's not easy for a first time for sure. maybe keep this one and hang on to it and hang some straight ones first.

Sometimes you realize your handle was cut crooked and have to shape it a little to fit. Every hang is unique.
 
It is a pain to realize that it is off. You work so hard to get everything right and spend alot of time fitting the handle. I have found the same problem on some of the Norlund hatchets that I have hung. It bugs me, but I live with it. You can try and file the eye out to balance both sides then fit a new handle.
 
OutdoorEnvy said:
The whole idea when hanging is to get the handle to fit the head. That's why you need to put the head on and off quite a bit to make sure it's lining up right. It can be done but it's not easy for a first time for sure. maybe keep this one and hang on to it and hang some straight ones first.

Sometimes you realize your handle was cut crooked and have to shape it a little to fit. Every hang is unique.
Click to expand...


Yup, I am definitely learning. Mostly fun, but there is a lot to it. Respect to the old timers!
I was really wanting a boy's axe, but I may take a break on this one.
I have been hitting some yard sales, but no axes yet. Got some NICE files
though! My old one was dull or cheap or something cause these new ones
cut like butta : )
 
OutdoorEnvy said:
Yeah it's definitely because the eye is off. You just have to shape the handle to compensate for it. Once it's hung straight and set you'll never know the difference. When you're shaping the handle you just need to constantly check your progress by sliding the head on to see where it's at as you go. It takes longer and looks weird because the handle looks off. You might have to start with a new handle. That's a good head though. Don't give up on it. Or if you decide to throw it away send to me and I'll cover shipping :)
Click to expand...

Interested in a trade + cash?
 
Why don't you try bringing it down on the shoulder a little further.
You can prolly straighten it out by doing that. I have in the past.
 
bearhunter said:
Why don't you try bringing it down on the shoulder a little further.
You can prolly straighten it out by doing that. I have in the past.
Click to expand...

I think I am going to try that. It seems like I will have to remove a LOT of material to make the
teardrop shape of the handle eye point a different direction.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top